I was cleaning out a storage shed prior to tearing it down, and found a can of pipe fittings.
There was a brass valve, with a piece of rectangular stock with a hole through it on the top, and a screw/washer/nut on the bottom. Looking into the valve, there is a slot on each end. It wouldn't turn, so I took it apart and found that there is a tapered cylinder in it, with a slot corresponding to those in the body. Turned one way it blocks the water; turned 90 degrees, it passes the water. (yes, pretty much like a ball valve.)
So, my questions... After cleaning, it works fine, but I presume it needs some sort of grease between the body and cylinder. I have some "plumbers grease". Is that okay, or do I need something else? I have never seen a valve like this before. It seems to be in good condition, but should I toss it and get a $8 ball valve, or is it worthwhile? (I only started doing plumbing stuff a few years ago, so if it went out of style 10 years ago, it is ancient to me...)